Beyond Sport

Lucas Radebe - The Ambassadors

FIFA Ambassador for SOS Children’s Village and South Africa’s most-capped footballer

Lucas Radebe grew up in Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa in a rather modest house with his parents and 10 brothers and sisters, during a very difficult time in the history of South Africa.

His talent for football was evident from an early age and to this talent he added a commitment that allowed him to scale immense sporting heights. A favourite son of Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United and the South African National Team, he earned international respect as a great defender and fine athlete.  He captained Leeds United where he earned huge respect from the football fraternity, led South Africa to the 1998 World Cup and by the 2002 World Cup (where he once again captained his country), he had earned 70 caps as a member of the South African National Team.

Through his success on and off the field Lucas has opened up more opportunities for other players from Africa as an African “pioneer” in the English Premiership.

Lucas Radebe is indeed a South African of note. He has a remarkable record of sporting achievement as a football player in Africa and Europe. In addition he has made, and continues to make, a major contribution as a leader beyond the football pitch, with major involvement in anti-racism projects, community work of varying sorts, and literacy projects.

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